Cockfighting in the Philippines: By the numbers, disappearances and the dark side of 'sabong'

Manila: Cockfighting, or “sabong”, is deeply ingrained in Philippine culture. It remains a lucrative industry despite controversy and tragedy. Recent events involving the alleged killing of dozens of cockfighting participants by rogue police officers have thrust the bloodsport into the spotlight, raising questions about its scale, economic impact, and ongoing challenges. .Filipina actress Gretchen Barretto, businessman Atong Ang named as suspects in missing 'sabungeros' case: DOJ.Victims strangled, mutilated: 15 police officers detained over alleged killings of cockfighting fans in the Philippines.Top 12 Philippine infrastructure projects driving property boom.Philippines: Visa for foreign retirees explained.₱50 billion industry.The gamefowl industry in the Philippines is estimated to be worth around ₱50 billion (approximately $900 million) and continues to grow, making the country the global center for gamefowl breeding and cockfighting events, according to a 2017 study by the University of the Philippines Los Banos.Cockfighting provides livelihoods for thousands, including breeders, gaffers (handlers), referees, cashiers, and other support staff. For example, at a single cockpit in Malvar, Batangas, about 50 personnel work during fight events, earning daily wages averaging ₱300 (~$5.50) or income based on a share of entrance fees..e-Sabong.In 2022, the online cockfighting (e-sabong) sector generated ₱640 million per month (around $11 million) in government revenue, driven by pandemic lockdowns that pushed betting online, as per the Asia Sentinel.Despite government revenue, the gross monthly income of some online sabong operators reached as high as ₱3 billion (~$54 million), highlighting the vast sums circulating in the industry beyond official taxation..Betting and market size.A 2022 Senate investigation revealed daily bets on online cockfights totaled $52.4 million, underscoring the massive gambling appetite surrounding sabong, BBC reported.The average farmgate price for a gamefowl in 2023 was over ₱6,000 (about $108), a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the high stakes involved in breeding and fighting quality birds, according to Statista (2024)..Dark side: Disappearances, violence.Since 2021, at least 34 cockfighting participants reportedly disappeared under suspicious circumstances.Some estimates and a whistleblower claims the number could be as high as 100.The victims were allegedly killed by rogue police officers and their bodies dumped in Lake Taal, a volcanic lake about two hours south of Manila, which spans 234.2 sqkm (89 square miles) and reaches depths of 564 feet.Now, the Philippine Justice Secretary has requested technical assistance from Japan to conduct scientific lakebed mapping to locate the missing bodies, highlighting the complexity of the investigation..Cultural and social context .Cockfighting is a centuries-old tradition and remains a popular pastime across all social classes in the Philippines. Matches are often held weekly, with millions of dollars wagered by spectators who watch roosters fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.The sport survived pandemic restrictions by moving online, attracting millions of new gamblers who bet via mobile phones, but this shift also exposed the industry to exploitation by criminal groups and corruption within law enforcement.The rise of betting machines at cockpits has led to job losses among traditional bet callers, known as “kristos,” changing the social dynamics of the sport, according to the SCMP..International reach, legal issues .Cockfighting rings have made headlines internationally. In June 2025, over 40 people were arrested in South Florida after a cockfighting ring bust, and earlier in the year, hundreds of birds were euthanised following a raid on a suspected cockfighting operation in Kansas, as per CBS News.Despite bans in many countries, cockfighting remains legal and culturally accepted in the Philippines, generating significant government revenue but also raising ethical and legal concerns..Sabong: Age-old industry.Cockfighting remains a vibrant yet controversial part of Philippine culture and economy.The industry supports thousands of livelihoods and generates millions in government revenue, especially through the booming online betting sector. However, recent allegations of violence, disappearances, and corruption cast a dark shadow over the sport, prompting calls for transparency, regulation, and justice.As authorities seek international technical help to solve the mystery of missing participants, the Philippines faces a critical moment in balancing tradition, economic interests, and human rights in the world of “sabong”..Cockfighting: By the numbers